Stories by Paul Caine

A new study shows why Neanderthal DNA can be bad for you. Astronomers capture visual evidence of an exploding star. And sometimes, it’s a bad idea to go to the Internet for help. Rabiah Mayas from the Museum of Science and Industry joins “Chicago Tonight” to examine these stories and more.

Crain’s Chicago Business managing editor Ann Dwyer takes a closer look at Chicago-based aerospace giant Boeing’s latest move to cut costs by slashing 4,000 jobs, changes at Tribune Publishing and what Chicago Cubs fans should expect on opening day.

Chicago Sun-Times theater critic Hedy Weiss appraises the first performance staged in the recently opened Writers Theatre and the humorous one-man show, “Where Did We Sit on the Bus?” Get her take on these plays and others on currently on stage in Chicago. 

Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Eddie Johnson, his pick for CPD interim superintendent, has received support inside and outside of the police department. “I think he has the chops to make the changes that are necessary,” Emanuel said to Paris Schutz.

Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland meets with Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk, despite the GOP leadership's refusal to meet with an Obama nominee. We speak with WBEZ's Tony Arnold on the implications of this first courtesy call to a Republican senator.

Watch the March 29, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Blair Thomas has chased Melville’s story for over 25 years. His efforts manifest this weekend in a performance at the MCA.  

A giant Bridgeport warehouse is home to the city's largest collection of vintage props for movies and TV. Jay Shefsky takes us behind the scenes.  

FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Anderson, who was recently appointed to lead the Chicago office, addresses concerns over data collection by the government, public corruption and the difficulties of policing after the Laquan McDonald shooting.

Parents of Chicago Public Schools students still searching for alternatives to attending school this Friday will have their pick of 262 contingency sites announced today by the district. Meanwhile, the Chicago Teachers Union has released a tentative schedule of events, which includes picketing schools and rallying downtown during rush hour.

The latest U.S. Census Bureau reported a dubious distinction for Cook County: the second most-populous U.S. county now leads the nation in population loss with over 10,000 fewer residents in 2015 than just a year before. 

Badgers are known for their elusiveness: the mostly solitary animals travel and forage at night, moving from one place to another very quickly. But wildlife biologists recently got lucky and caught one in northwest Cook County.

Chicago public school teachers will go on a one-day strike this Friday that may or may not be legal. Chicago Public Schools Chief Forrest Claypool joins “Chicago Tonight” to talk about the upcoming one-day teachers strike and what parents should do. 

Watch the March 28, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Hear what viewers had to say about our talk with CTU president Karen Lewis and our web story on a new water treatment plant that uses ultraviolet light to help clean the Chicago River when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

How will rank-and-file police officers react to the mayor's unexpected appointment of CPD veteran Eddie Johnson? Two former Chicago Police officers share their perspectives on Emanuel's pick and to aldermen inserting themselves more into the selection process.

In the wake of the attacks in Brussels, the recently appointed Special Agent in Charge for the FBI division in Chicago joins “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the challenges in addressing terrorist threats.

In the Loop, a photographic feast is now being served. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Museum of Contemporary Photography combed its archives to find the pictures that best reflect the character of the museum. What they found were dramatic images from the 19th century to the 21st.

In a surprise end-run, Mayor Emanuel shuns the recommendations of his police board and makes it known he wants Eddie Johnson to be police superintendent.

DuPage County is the healthiest in the state, according to a recent comprehensive report comparing counties’ health statewide. Cook County doesn't crack the top 50.

The head of the Chicago History Museum talks about the ups and downs facing museums today, plus his school days with Hillary Clinton  and why he "binge listens" to Studs Terkel.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel joins “Chicago Tonight” for a one-on-one interview with Paris Schutz on Tuesday. What are your questions for the mayor? Share them with us.

Rat complaints are on the rise, according to city data. Find out what Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th Ward) are doing to address the issue.

Joel Weisman and his guests discuss the vote by the Chicago Teachers Union's House of Delegates to authorize a one-day strike and other top stories of the week.

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis said the newly approved April 1 walkout is not about contract negotiations with CPS. “If it were a contract strike, it would be illegal,” Lewis said to Eddie Arruza. “This is an unfair labor practice strike.”

Watch the March 24, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."